27. Chemo British

Attending high school in Belgium, we had an English teacher who spoke with a decidedly British accent, had us study British authors, vocabulary and idioms.   So watching a British movie on Netflix the other night, one of the characters in the movie uttered a typical British expression which triggered this memory...

Many years ago, I, like many newcomers to Canada, upgraded my skills during the day, and worked in a hotel during the evening.  One of the perks of working in the hotel was being provided with supper during a break.  So one evening I met up with a co-worker who was having boyfriend troubles:  she thought he might be cheating on her, he was constantly borrowing money and never paid it back, etc.  But she still loved him.  She was torn.  When my break was over and before exiting the cafeteria full of co-workers, it occurred to me that I should say something to cheer her up.  So I shouted across the room: "Hey, Laura-Mae, keep your pecker up!!!"  The room went dead quiet.  You could have heard a toothpick drop.  Then, to my consternation, everyone started laughing.  I was quite taken aback till a kind older woman mumbled: "A pecker is a penis dear"...  I was more than just a bit embarrassed!

Going into treatment number 8 next week, I need something to psych me up.  So I have decided to say to myself: "Irm, keep your pecker up!"  No matter the meaning, for me, this expression, hands down, carries more weight than the lame "Keep your spirits up!"  😉😊